Pizza con Melanzane e Ricotta Recipe Guide

If you’re looking for a delicious twist on traditional pizza, Pizza con Melanzane e Ricotta (Eggplant and Ricotta Pizza) is a beautiful choice. The creamy ricotta pairs wonderfully with the roasted, slightly caramelized eggplant, making each slice savory and full of flavor. Let me show you how I make this Italian delight step by step! From my own personal experience, this recipe is as easy as it is satisfying, perfect for beginners and those looking to elevate their pizza game.

Notes on What to Expect

• Flavor Profile: This pizza is creamy, savory, and slightly sweet from the roasted eggplant, with the ricotta adding a light and fluffy texture.
• Texture: The pizza will have a crispy base with soft, creamy layers from the cheeses, contrasted by the slightly chewy eggplant.
• Best Enjoyed Fresh: Pizza con Melanzane e Ricotta is best served hot out of the oven when the cheese is still warm and melty.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Time to Stand: 10 minutes (letting dough rise, optional)
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Easy
• Servings: 4 servings (1 small pizza each)
• Calories: Approximately 250 kcal per serving
• Cost of Ingredients: Moderate
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main, Snack

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet or pizza stone
• Rolling pin
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Oven
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Ingredients

1. Pizza Dough (store-bought or homemade)
   • 1 lb (450 g) of dough, enough for 2 small pizzas
2. Eggplant
   • 1 medium eggplant, sliced into thin rounds
3. Ricotta Cheese
   • 1 cup (250 g), fresh and creamy
4. Mozzarella Cheese (optional but adds a lovely stretch)
   • 1 cup, shredded
5. Tomato Sauce
   • ½ cup, for the base
6. Olive Oil
   • 1–2 tablespoons
7. Fresh Basil Leaves
   • A handful, for garnish
8. Salt and Pepper
   • To taste
9. Garlic
   • 1 clove, minced (optional, for extra flavor)
10. Red Pepper Flakes

• ½ teaspoon, for a hint of spice (optional)
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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Eggplant

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange the thinly sliced eggplant rounds on a baking sheet.
3. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and roast for about 10 minutes until the eggplant softens and edges turn golden.
   • Tip: Roasting the eggplant brings out a rich, caramelized flavor and removes excess moisture, which keeps your pizza from getting soggy.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

1. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thick, making a rustic circular or rectangular shape.
2. Optional: If you like a thicker crust, let the dough rise on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before adding toppings.

Step 3: Assemble the Pizza

1. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving about ½ inch at the edges for the crust.
2. Add dollops of ricotta cheese evenly over the sauce. From my experience, using fresh ricotta makes a big difference in taste and texture.
3. Distribute the roasted eggplant rounds over the ricotta, followed by shredded mozzarella if using.
4. Sprinkle with minced garlic and red pepper flakes, if desired, for extra depth and a little kick.

Step 4: Bake the Pizza

1. Place the assembled pizza on a baking sheet or, if available, a preheated pizza stone for a crispier crust.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
   • Tip: Keep an eye on the pizza as it bakes; oven temperatures can vary, and you may need a bit less or more time.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Once the pizza is out of the oven, top it with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor.
2. Drizzle a little olive oil over the pizza if desired, slice, and enjoy!

Variations and Dietary Substitutions

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the regular pizza dough with gluten-free pizza dough.
• Vegan Option: Use vegan ricotta and mozzarella alternatives. Plant-based cheeses that melt well work best.
• Additions: For a more robust pizza, add sliced olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or a few arugula leaves after baking.
• Lower-Calorie Option: Use less cheese and opt for whole-grain or cauliflower crust if preferred.
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Pizza con Melanzane e Ricotta  now.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Protein: 9 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fat: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Calcium: 15% of daily value

 Closing

I hope this guide has made making Pizza con Melanzane e Ricotta a little less daunting! Have you tried this unique pizza before, or are you thinking of trying it for the first time? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below. I love hearing feedback from real people like you, so don’t hesitate to leave your thoughts—I’d love to know how it turned out for you.